Date of Award
Spring 4-29-2024
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Political Science and International Affairs
Department Chair or Program Director
Cooperman, Rosalyn
First Advisor
Martinez, Melissa
Second Advisor
Bowen, Dawn
Major or Concentration
International Affairs
Abstract
Local-level democracy is crucial to the strength of a country’s democracy. In Brazil, informal housing settlements known as favelas have started to outpace the growth of the cities in which they exist, yet favelas often lack equal access to democratic institutions that ensure citizens’ rights. Organized crime groups have emerged in these settlements that threaten the strength and stability of local-level democracy. This yields the question, “How does organized crime impact democracy in Brazil?” Through case studies of Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, this thesis explores whether criminal organizations influence political participation in Brazilian favelas. The case studies are compared in terms of the differences and similarities of organized crime strength, state-OCG relationships, and local governance and civil society. These findings offer insight into how organized crime can undermine democratic institutions and therefore weaken Brazil’s democracy.
Recommended Citation
Tank, Abigail, "Democracy and Organized Crime: The Case of Brazil" (2024). Student Research Submissions. 564.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/564